Bengaluru: What started as an innocent Bumble date for a Bengaluru techie turned into a nightmare involving blackmail, fake drugs, and extortion. After weeks of texting and video calls, the techie met a woman named Sangeetha at a coffee shop. Things seemed normal until she suggested heading to a room for drinks.
There, the situation took a dark turn.
Four men suddenly stormed in, accused him of attending a drug party, and demanded to search the room. They dramatically pulled out white powder packets from Sangeetha’s bag, claiming it was drugs. She broke down, pretended to panic, and threatened suicide, adding to the pressure.
Terrified of being arrested and publicly shamed, the techie was coerced into paying ₹2 lakh, though the gang had initially demanded ₹15 lakh. Realizing he had been conned, he filed a police complaint three days later.
Investigations revealed a well-organized extortion racket involving Sangeetha and five men: Sharanabasappa, Raju Mane, Shyam Sundar, Abhishek, and Birbal. The white powder turned out to be baking soda, not drugs. The entire scheme—from the Bumble match to the staged bust—was a premeditated trap.
Police have arrested all six. According to DCP Sajeeth V J, one accused is a repeat offender, and authorities believe more victims may come forward. Sangeetha, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had reportedly worked in a dance bar before joining the racket.